Rwenzori Mountains National Park
If you were given the chance to trek through lush jungle, driven on by the thought of snow capped peaks; to pick your way through a lunar landscape coloured by plants seemingly …
Despite its equatorial climate, East Africa has glaciers on its highest peaks. Africa’s glaciers date back to between 10,000 and 15,000 years, but they are melting at a rapid rate and may vanish over the coming decades. Visit them now, before it is too late.
Africa has glaciers in 3 locations: the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Kenya. In total, Africa's glaciers cover an area of around 10km².
Tragically, the future of Africa’s glaciers is uncertain due to global warming. In 1906, 43 glaciers were scattered across 6 peaks within the Rwenzori Mountains. These glaciers covered an area of around 7.5km², around half of the total surface area of Africa’s glaciers at the time.
By 2005, 3 of these glaciers had disappeared, and the Rwenzori’s glaciers only covered an area of 1.5km².
Eyes on the prize; heading to the summit.
If you were given the chance to trek through lush jungle, driven on by the thought of snow capped peaks; to pick your way through a lunar landscape coloured by plants seemingly …
The highest of six peaks in the Rwenzori mountain range, and the third-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, Mount Stanley stands tall at 5,109 metres.
At 5,109 metres, Margherita Peak is the highest point on Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountains, and the third-highest peak in Africa. It is the crown jewel of the …
4 African countries have glaciers. The Rwenzori Mountains are located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Stanley’s peak, Margherita Peak, reaches a height of 5,109m.
Mount Kenya is located in the centre of Kenya. With an elevation of 5,199m, it is the second-tallest mountain in Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in northern Tanzania and its height of 5,855m makes it the tallest mountain in Africa.
Taking a break under metres of ice and snow.
The largest glaciers in Africa are situated on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Credner Glacier and Furtwängler Glacier are among the largest.
Credner Glacier is rapidly retreating due to its high exposure to sunlight on the north-western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro.
If Credner Glacier continues to retreat at the same rate, it may vanish by 2030.
In 2020, Klaus Thymann’s expedition confirmed that Mount Baker and Mount Speke no longer have glaciers. Thymann used comparative images to prove that 2 of Africa’s 5 glaciated peaks have been lost.
Tragically, the present moment is your last chance to see Africa’s glaciers before they vanish forever. Mount Stanley’s glacier is the only remaining glacier in the Rwenzoris, and studies suggest that it may vanish by 2025.
Richard Taylor of University College London has warned of the catastrophic impacts of glacial melting on the surrounding ecosystems in East Africa.
Picture perfect day at the start of the trek
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
The forested slopes, clouded valleys, and snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains call out for exploration. Combine this perfect introductory trek with other destinations in the southwest to create a magical Ugandan…
Mt. Stanley's Margherita Peak, at 5,109 metres, is the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. This 10-day trip includes 8 days on the mountain, summiting Margherita Peak on day 6.…
Take on the 4 peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains over 10 days: Mount Baker (4,842m), Margherita Peak (5,109m), Mount Speke (4,890m), and Weismann's Peak (4,620m).…
For those who want to experience the Rwenzoris without spending too long, a 3-day hike is the perfect add-on to a wider adventure across the country.…
A new route pioneered while the mountains were quiet during the pandemic, this 4-day hike takes you to some of the most beautiful areas of the Rwenzoris, including over 8 stunning waterfalls.…
A quick 2-day visit to the Rwenzori Mountains. You'll trek from the base camp to Sine Hut at 2,596 metres. Stretch your legs, spend the night amongst stunning landscapes, catch a glimpse of the Rwenzoris.…
One of the highest peaks in the range, Weismann's Peak sits at 4,620 metres. This 5-day route culminates with a summit of the peak, and passes through some of the most stunning regions of the park.…
Climb skyward towards one of the Rwenzoris most beautiful viewpoints: the Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 metres. A great 4-day hike that works great as a standalone trip or as part of a wider itinerary.…
One of the highest peaks in the range, Mount Baker sits at 4,842 metres. Over 7 days, you pass through some of the most extraordinary areas of the park - including some tough sections - and summit Mount Baker on…
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains where forests morph into ice-clad mountain peaks, cut through jungle thickets to hang out with mountain gorillas, and finish your trip relaxing lakeside amongst the staggering beauty of Lake Mutanda. This is Uganda.…
Journey to the roof of Uganda on this 7-day trek, summiting Margherita Peak (5,109m) on day 5. An epic trek across lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain passes; climbing ever-skyward towards the Rwenzoris icy peaks.…
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Get in touch and we can help you understand your options, design an itinerary that's right for you, and then get you set up and ready to go.
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